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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shares what he has planned for Raheem Sterling in wake of Kai Havertz injury

Giuseppe Labellarte

Sat 15 February 2025 6:45, UK

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has just three fit forwards for the foreseeable future in wake of a spate of injuries to their main attacking stars.

Arsenal are set to be without Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz until next season, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martine♈lli are also on the sidelines.

Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri are the only forward players Arteta currently has at his disposal.

Up next for Arsenal is Saturday’s Premie🥀r League trip to Leicest༺er City and, speaking ahead of the match, Arteta shared what he has planned for Sterling.

READ MORE: Wꦏhen Bukayo Saka is now expected to return for Arsenal in wake of Kai Havertz injury

Raheem Sterling will ‘certainly’ be more involved for Arsenal in coming weeks

Arteta said Sterling had been “much more involved” in 🥂training and suggested💞 that he would indeed be featuring more often in games.

“You don’t have to 🌠beᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ very creative with the options that we have,” Arteta told when asked about whether anything was ruled out in attack. “I’m sure you’re going to get it right.”

Arteta wꦬas then questioned on Sterling’s chance to shine, and he replied: “Yeah, and for other players as welꩲl. And for Leo probably to play in two or three different positions.

“So it’♑s between all of us. We have mentioned that many times. It’s adding value from different players.

“Probably being a little bit different in what we have to be with adapting to the qualities and 𝓡the strengths of our players and go for it. The spirit is cert🅺ainly the same.”

When asked specifically about Sterling’s previous lack of game time, Arteta said: “Well, he’s been much more involved recently as wel♏l, and he’s merited and he has earned the right to do so.

“And obviously now in terms of the minutes and availability we have with players, all the players are going to have more exposure and certa🏅inly Raheem will be one of them.”

How Sterling has fared at Arsenal so far

Sterling’s loan move to Ars🌟enal was the b💛ig story of the summer’s transfer deadline day, with fans following the saga late into the night.

The England international joined Arsenal to much fanfare, but sadly it hasn’t really happened for him so far this sea꧑son.

Sterling has made 18 appearances for Arsenal, but just eight of those have been starts, and his game time ♉is yet to get past the 800-minute mark.

In addition, Sterling has only scored once, and is yet to get off the ma🌸rk in the Premier League, though he has managed one assist in tꦺhe competition.

Sterling will now need to step up along with Trossard and𒀰 Nwaneri as the Gunners look to keep the pressure on leaders Liverpool at the top of th🌱e table.

P𓃲aul Merson reckons the current situation could indeed work in Sterling’s favour, claiming that the attacker 𓃲has what it ta꧋kes to make this opportunity count.

“Raheem Sterling has to step up for Arsenal now,” he wrote. “I know it has not gone according to plan for him, but I expect him to stand up and mak♐e his presence felt.

“He will get a consistent run of games due to th💎e injuries at Arsenal and I believe he can make it count🅰.

“Mikel Arteta could be like, ‘here are a few games for you, go out ✅and play with freedom’, and I think that could work in favour of Sterling.

“Until Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli return from injury, it’s going to be Sterling, Leandro Trossa🍃rd and Ethan Nwaneri in attack. That is a lot of responsibility for these players.

“Also, Ars🦹enal kick off early this weekend and that is a huge ♈boost for them. By the time Liverpool play Wolves on Sunday, Arsenal will likely be just four points behind them.”